Bitterroot River Access Sites are Waterlogged

The drivers along US 93 on the north end of Hamilton have noticed the Bitterroot River creeping higher and higher. Finally, it has caused the closing of a popular "take-out" site for floaters next to the Veterans Bridge. It is just one of the low-lying areas being flooded by the high water levels in western Montana.

You don't want to be on the rivers anyway, with the fast-moving, muddy water carrying debris like tree trunks and branches that can immediately clog waterways, sending currents other directions. The Bitterroot River will be receding a bit in the next few days, but will be coming back up into the flood stage area by late next week, according to the National Weather Service and the USGS. And, again, if you see water crossing the road - Turn Around, Don't Drown. If you see such a hazard, you might want to alert the Ravalli County Sheriff's Office at 363-3033.